Treatment

Treatment for stomach cancer is planned by cancer specialists (oncologists). Some specialize in surgery, some in radiation therapy and others in chemotherapy (drugs). These doctors work with the person with cancer to decide on a treatment plan.

Treatment plans are designed to meet the unique needs of each person with cancer. Treatment decisions for stomach cancer are based on:

• the stage of the cancer
• the location of the tumour in the stomach
• the overall health of the person with stomach cancer

Treatment options for stomach cancer

• surgery
  • Surgery may be used to completely remove the tumour.
  • It may be used to remove part of a stomach tumour before starting chemotherapy or radiation therapy (neoadjuvant therapy).
  • It may be used after other therapies, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy (adjuvant therapy).
  • Reconstruction of the gastrointestinal tract after the stomach has been removed is an important part of surgery.
  • Surgery may also be used to ease symptoms of advanced stomach cancer.

• chemotherapy
  • Chemotherapy may be used before or after surgery, sometimes combined with radiation therapy, to reduce the risk of stomach cancer coming back (recurring).

• radiation therapy
  • External beam radiation therapy is used after surgery. It is usually combined with chemotherapy to reduce the risk of the stomach cancer recurring.
  • It is also used to relieve pain and control the symptoms of advanced stomach cancer.

• Biological therapy
  • Biological therapy may be used for locally advanced or metastatic stomach cancer.

• follow-up after treatment is finished
  • It is important to have regular follow-up visits, especially in the first 3 years after treatment.